Dry eye and blurred vision are sometimes, but not always, related. Aging, dry air, wind, high altitude and overuse may cause dry eye, which in turn can lead to blurred vision; but blurred vision also is a symptom of other, sometimes serious, medical conditions. To reduce your risk of permanent damage, consult your doctor if you experience either dry eye or blurred vision.
Dry Eye
Tears are present in your eyes even when you're not crying. They provide lubrication so that your eyes and eyelids can move without irritation. Dry eye may be caused by lack of tears or by an imbalance in the composition of your tears, which are a mixture of saline, fatty oils and mucus. The saline washes away small particles that would otherwise cause irritation, while the oils keep the water from evaporating too quickly. The mucus helps spread your tears over the whole surface of your eyes. An insufficient ratio of any one of these components prevents your tears from performing their function optimally, according to MayoClinc.com.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is not a medical condition but rather a symptom of an underlying problem. It may be the result of dry eyes, but it also may signal a much more serious condition, such as glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration. Some people also experience blurred vision just before the onset of a migraine headache. Blurred vision may be an indicator that you need corrective lenses or a new prescription if you're already wearing glasses or contacts. According to Medline Plus, some drugs, including oral contraceptives, cortisone, heart medications and high blood pressure medicine, can cause blurred vision.
Implications
Dry eye deprives your eye of its protective coating and leaves your cornea vulnerable to infection and damage by small particles. You may experience increased irritation from wind or smoke, eye fatigue and/or sensitivity to light. Prolonged untreated dry eye may lead to inflammation, infection, damage to your cornea and vision problems. The underlying causes of blurred vision are serious and in some cases may lead to permanent eye damage and even blindness.
Medical Intervention
Because blurred vision may be a sign of eye disease or the need for corrective lenses, see an eye doctor for an evaluation of your symptoms. Also consult your doctor if you have prolonged symptoms of dry eyes, including redness, irritation, eye fatigue or eye pain. Seek emergency medical care if you experience blindness in one or both eyes, double vision, eye pain, blind spots, halos around lights or sudden distortion, even if these symptoms are only temporary. You also need immediate medical attention if you have the sensation of a curtain coming down over your eyes or across from the sides.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms. If you have dry eyes caused by aging, lubricating drops or tear duct plugs may be an option. If your blurred vision or dryness is caused by medication, your doctor may change your dosage or switch to another drug. If the blurred vision or dryness is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Sometimes the cure may be as simple as deep cleaning or replacement of your contact lenses. If the symptoms are caused by eye disease, however, you will require more extensive treatment and your doctor will advise options.
